Seattle Area Flooding Tips
Major flooding occurs in the Puget Sound after heavy snowfall. When the snow melts the water runoff can overwhelm our surrounding streams, rivers, and levees. And added rainfall during snow melt makes the problem worse. If you experience flooding in your area here are tips to follow:- Do not drive unless it's an emergency.
- Do not drive through a flooded area. If a road is flooded-out turn around and find a different route.
- If you can't find another route get to higher ground until the water subsides.
- Many local drivers make the mistake of thinking the water is shallow and then they try to cross it. Don't do this as the road underneath the water could be gone due to the flooding.
- Vehicles can easily stall when driving through water. If your car stalls abandon it and climb to higher ground.
- It takes only six inches of water to reach the bottom of most cars, which can cause loss of control and stalling.
- It takes only one foot of water to float most vehicles.
- And it takes only two feet of rushing water to sweep cars, SUVs and, pick-ups right off the road.
- If your city is asking you to evacuate don't hesitate. Because when levees break it happens fast and then you'll really be stuck.
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Learn about home flood safety from the About.com Guide to First Aid.